Outpatient Rehabilitation Development Clinics

The outpatient rehabilitation development clinics integrate the medical and clinical expertise of our comprehensive rehabilitation program at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital. The clinics coordinate assessments, treatments, therapies and patient/parent education for many physical and developmental disabilities or delays.

The neonatal follow-up clinic evaluates children at risk for developing problems as a result of premature birth or complicated delivery. The multidisciplinary team is led by a neonatologist and nurse. It also includes a developmental therapist occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech therapist. A dietician is consulted when appropriate. Individual treatment or therapy plans are developed to augment the child’s developmental progress or physical ability.

The developmental clinic provides evaluation for children using a multidisciplinary approach. The evaluation team typically includes a physical therapist, occupational therapists, speech therapist, social worker, developmental therapist and/or educational specialist. The team focuses on making recommendations to the parent/guardian to maximize the child’s independence in his or her most natural and least restrictive environment.

The medical diagnostic clinic identifies motor, language, cognitive and/or behavioral difficulties in the infant or toddler. The multidisciplinary team led by a developmental pediatrician may also include a speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, developmental therapist and/or educational specialist.

The spina bifida clinic evaluates children who have motor, cognitive and/or developmental disabilities secondary to the diagnosis of spina bifida. The multidisciplinary team is led by a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, developmental pediatrician, nurse, orthotist and physical therapist. Recommendations regarding surgery, orthotics, equipment, therapy and development are made to enhance a child’s independence in his or her daily activities.